A good leader shows characteristics of an honourable person. Co-operation, selflessness and mercifulness are just a few of the qualities that a good leader should possess. Co-operation is the act of working in a groups to obtain a similar goal. To be selfless is to be concerned with the needs of others more than the needs of one's own self. Lastly, to be merciful is to forgive or have a pity for one's enemy. In the play, Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare a character by the name of Claudius is seen as king and does just the opposite of co-operation, selflessness and mercifulness. King Claudius displays the behaviours of an unethical leader through manipulation, getting revenge at all costs. Consequently, in order to be a good leader he or she must carry moral qualities and moral actions. As he is a monarch, he does not behave in a way that we expect from a leader.

   Initially, a trustworthy leader should possess the ability to gain his people's trust by being in touch with others. Unfortunately, Claudius does not gain the trust of others bye sharing his emotions, but he achieves this by the help of manipulative strategies.By using manipulative strategies Claudius is able to convince Laertes to avange his father's death through a duel with Hamlet. He says :

     Laertes, was your father dear to you?
     Or are you like the painting of a sorrow,
     A face without heart
     (4.7.107-110)

   These comments display the immoral characteristic of a manipulative person. In this quote, two sides of appearence is also present. Through the ayes of Laertes, Claudius is a friend who wants him to perform a good task. However, reality is that he wants to get rid of Hamlet for his own benefit. Normally, it is Hamlet's right to ascend to throne as he is the son of King Hamlet but Claudius prevents this by killing King Hamlet and getting married with Gertrude.

   As a great Roman writer, Juvenal once said, " Revenge is always the weak pleasure of a little and narrow mind". In other words revenge is an easy path to walk. It does not show the strength in an individual but the weakness. Claudius says to Laertes that, "Revenge should have no bounds". (4.7.127)

   Moreover, Claudius displays his selfish nature in another scene of the play. The King has declared that whoever wins the first round will take a drink of wine and earn the pearl, which is poisonous. It is certain that, Hamlet wins the first point and was supposed to drink from the cup. The Queen then offers to drink to Hamlet's first victory and Claudius interrupts her. Unfortunately, the Queen disobeys and drinks to her son's victory. Soon after she dies by the hand of her deceitful husband. This particular example shows the self-centeredness of Claudius as he made a brief attempt to prevent Gertrude from drinking the poison. If he declares that the drink was poisoned, others would question the situation. It would also diminish his reputation and authority in his nation. In summary, Claudius' selfish nature leads to the death of many. As he does not rule his mind, he is ruled by his mind as Horace claimed.

    On the orherhand, he is courteus as a king and he takes good care of national interests. Even in dangerous situations, he can stay calm. Also his love to Gertrude seems to be real and not for other purposes. The murder of King Hamlet is not only because of him but also Gertrude. Some writers think that she may prevent it. However, there is not integrity in him. He is changeable and this is seen in praying scene clearly as he give up the idea of repentance.

   In conclusion, bad leadership is demonstrated through Claudius' manipulative strategies towards Laertes, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern and Hamlet. For him, no matter who is the rival is. He can do whatever he wants to obtain his reputation. All his behaviours that are centered in reputation, causes sin and death. Is that different from Satan wants and causes?